Meredith.
My heart leaped in my chest when I stepped out of the bathroom and saw Draven standing next to the ashtray.
I wasn’t expecting him in the room. I thought he had returned to the training grounds after I parted with him in his office.
Recalling the letter I was burning, I panicked at first. But as I arrived beside Draven, I was ready with an explanation, especially after seeing the ashes.
I wasn’t sure how long he’s been in the room, or if everything burnt up before he walked over to check it, so I had to give something close to a lie but far from the truth.
I wasn’t sure Draven bought my lies, but it didn’t matter since he didn’t have any piece of evidence to interrogate me with.
Luckily for my mental health, Azul arrived with a tray of everything I had asked for.
Then, Draven went into the bathroom, and I found a way to keep Azul with me until he stepped out and finally excused himself.
After Azul left, I enjoyed the fruits first while reading the History book, before going for the unhealthy snacks.
I ate all the buttermilk cookies before finally reaching for the grilled gizzards. And that was when I got distracted.
I ate more than I read and in the end, I had to go wash oily hands.
By the time I returned to the book, I was tired and bored.
I missed my mouth being busy.
My gaze dropped to the empty plates as a deep sigh escaped my lips.
I went on to read about Serena’s first and second war. It was interesting to realize that they were both because of the other rulers of the two tribes.
---
I returned to my bedroom at the ground floor a few hours later and was welcomed by all my maidservants.
"My lady." They greeted me with a smile.
They made me feel like we had been separated for a few years.
I couldn’t believe how much they missed me in just a short time. I was touched and couldn’t help comparing them with my family.
None of them have contacted me after I left Stormveil with Draven and his entourage.
I had lunch while listening to Deidra tell me all the recent gossip I’d missed within twelve hours.
I missed her exaggerated expressions and saw myself laughing all through her narration.
"Deidra would make a good newscaster," I said, comparing her to Duskmoors’ in my mind. "Or a storyteller," I quickly added.
"A story teller." The rest agreed. Deidra blushed.
After that, I had a nap and sweated profusely in my sleep. By the time I woke up, I was in need of a shower.
Stepping into the bathroom with Azul ahead, I noticed the wall mirror was covered with a material with the same length.
"Why is the mirror covered?" I couldn’t help asking.
Azul smiled the mirror before turning her attention to me.
"My lady, we had to do it because the fog was too much. But we will take it off later," she explained.
I shrugged and entered the bath.
Azul helped me bath by massaging my shoulders and gently kneading my back.
"Hmmm..." I shut my eyes as my hands gripped the edge of the tub, enjoying the massage. I missed this.
"My lady, should I apply a little more pressure?" Azul asked.
I didn’t open my eyes. I just nodded for her to continue.
I was in for another surprise when I walked into the dressing room and sat in front of my dresser with a missing mirror.
Slowly, I turned to Azul for an explanation and then to Kira who quickly lowered her head.
"Forgive me, my lady." Kira bowed before looking up with a guilty gaze. "I accidentally broke the mirror while adjusting the position of the dresser this morning."
"That’s fine," I said to her and turned to face the empty wall. It felt weird staring at the wall while Azul got me ready, so, I added, "Just get someone to replace it."
"Yes, my lady."
---
Dennis visited me a few minutes after I walked into my room and bit into a cucumber.
I was thrilled to know he was here after Cora announced his presence, so, I quickly moved to my sitting room.
After a little pleasantries were exchanged, he sat down on the couch next to mine.
"I didn’t see you are dinner and at breakfast this morning, so, I decided to come see you myself. I heard you weren’t feeling well."
Heat crept up my cheeks as I recalled the real reason I had been absent at the dining hall on two occasions.
I felt deeply embarrassed, but quickly hid my reaction when I saw Dennis watching me closely.
I couldn’t afford a slip-up.
"I had a little fever..."
Before I could finish, he leaned over and placed the back of his right hand on my forehead.
Then, I quickly added, "But I’m better now." I was no longer running a temperature. I wasn’t on heat.
Dennis withdrew his hand and straightened his back.
"I should have visited earlier, but my brother stopped me."
Interesting.
I was a little surprised and even wondered why Draven would stop his younger brother from coming to see me. But I didn’t dwell on the topic for long.
"Actually, I thought of contacting you at one time, but I don’t have a phone, so the plan failed," I said the Dennis.
He shook his head. "That’s a shame. But you need a phone."
I shrugged. But deep down, I really wanted one.
"About our driving lessons, are you healthy enough for us to resume tomorrow?" he inquired.
"Sure." I quickly nodded as the corners of my lips lifted into a smile. "Tomorrow evening is fine by me."
I missed our lessons.
I bit into my cucumber and chewed on it. I had offered Dennis one from my plate, but he had declined.
I felt an itch on my cheek and swiped the tip of my finger across it and continued to eat my cucumber.
Then, I felt Dennis’s gaze on me and turned to meet his smiling gaze.
He pointed at my face and started, "By the way you..."
"I will take care of that!" Azul suddenly said and stepped towards me with a handkerchief, but not without sparing Dennis a type of glance I couldn’t make out.